56 DEER. 



The tender evergreens were injured pretty much. 

 It was very providential that the air was still, and 

 the ground well covered with snow, else vegetation 

 in general must have suffered prodigiously. There is 

 reason to believe that some days were more severe 

 than any since the year 1739-40. 



LETTER XIV. 



TO THE SAME. 



SELBORNE, March 12, 1768. 

 DEAR SIR, 



IP some curious gentleman would procure the 

 head of a fallow deer, and have it dissected, he would 

 find it furnished with two spiracula, or breathing 

 places, besides the nostrils ; probably analogous to 

 thepuncta lachrymalia "lachrymal ducts" in the human 

 head. When deer are thirsty, they plunge their 

 noses, like some horses, very deep under water, while 

 in the act of drinking, and continue them in that 

 situation for a considerable time ; but, to obviate any 

 inconveniency, they can open two vents, one at the 

 inner corner of each eye, having a communication 

 with the nose. Here seems to be an extraordinary 

 provision of nature worthy our attention, and which 

 has not, that I know of, been noticed by any na- 

 turalist. For it looks as if these creatures would not be 

 suffocated, though both their mouths and nostrils were 

 stopped. This curious formation of the head may be 

 of singular service to beasts of chase, by affording 

 them free respiration ; and no doubt these additional 

 nostrils are thrown open when they are hard run.* 



* In answer to this account, Mr. Pennant sent me the fol- 

 lowing curious and pertinent reply : " I was much surprised 



